Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Ryan Smith Obituary
March 18,1980 - October 15, 2015
Ryan was born on March 18, 1980 in Salem, Oregon. He passed away unexpectedly of natural causes while at home in Salem on October 15, 2015.
Ryan was a child of God and will always be remembered for his kind heart and loving spirit. Though his life was short, he left his family and friends with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Ryan attended Sprague High School in Salem and was attending Chemeketa Community College for engineering at the time of his death. He was awarded the President's Club honor for his academic achievements.
Ryan worked at the Statesman Journal in the distribution center and as an engineer for Stonecreek Furniture in Phoenix, Arizona.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, crabbing, and snowboarding. Ryan loved animals, especially his beloved dogs Rosa and Doc.
Ryan is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Betty Crider of Dallas and Chuck and Helen Smith of Salem. His great grandparents, Tom and Jesse Harwick of Deer Lodge, Montana and Clair and Peggy Baldwin of Dallas, and his brother-in-law, Dale Williams, of Salem.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Karen Smith-Hudson of Scottsdale, AZ and Mike Smith of Salem, OR. His sisters, Bradi Johnson of Phoenix, AZ and Kelli Smith of Portland, OR. His nephews, Benjamin and Jaden, and niece Keira. His step-father, Tony Hudson and brother-in-law, Victor Johnson.
The family is planning a celebration of Ryan's life next spring in Oregon at one of his favorite places along the Santiam River. His final resting place will be at the Dallas Cemetery next to his beloved grandparents.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to the Humane Society of the Willamette Valley in Oregon, in Ryan's honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Smith
Cinde Pursley
January 5, 2016
You couldn't find a nicer guy than Ryan. I have such fond memories of you and camping trips with the family in AZ. May your spirit live on forever and may peace be with those left behind.
I will remember you always.
Karon Robare
November 21, 2015
I had the privilege of working with Ryan at the Statesman Journal. What a sweet, kind heart he had. Always a smile for everyone. My prayers for his family as they grieve their lost of such a kind soul.
Karen and Charlie Stone
November 11, 2015
Our thoughts are with Ryan's family.
Brandi Zollner
November 11, 2015
Love you Ryan may you R.I.P
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dorothy Parker
November 8, 2015
My prayers Dorothy parker
Nancy and Mark Bishop
November 8, 2015
Our hearts are broken for your loss of such a gentle soul, taken by G-d way before anyone here on earth was ready to let him go. We can only pray you all are able to find some peace in the days ahead and know he is in your heart always...till you meet again.
Donna Royston
November 8, 2015
I have so many memories of Ryan. He became like a brother to me. He had such a kind heart and it showed thru like a bright star in the sky. Even though I won't get to see that smile or hear his voice he will always he there in my heart.
Ryan you will forever be missed but always loved. ♡
Tarina Lovegrove
November 8, 2015
Ryan, you've touched our life incredibly with your presence and your humor, smile and giving heart will be cherished always. To all of those who know and love Ryan, I pray peace and happiness over you at this time. Keep his smile on your face, his wit in your mind and his loving spirit in your heart. We love you Ry, now and always!!
Shirley McCoy
November 8, 2015
Ryan was a special young man when he worked at the Statesman he always stopped by my desk to say hello.
You are now one of God's Angels.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
November 8, 2015
Thinking of you and your family. Prayers and peace. The Rangers
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Ryan Smith's name
Memorial Events
for Ryan Smith
How to support Ryan's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ryan Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
